READINGS FOR THE BLIND, INC.
Audio Recordings for the Visually Impaired & Learning Disabled Community
F.A.Q's
What kind of books will you record?
We will read virtually any type of print material – text books, leisure reading, instructional materials, religious publications, magazines, newsletters, etc. Textbooks are given priority.
Who is eligible to receive recordings from Readings for the Blind?
Anyone who is blind, visually impaired, or learning disabled. We also serve the physically disabled who are unable to hold a book or turn pages.
What geographic area do you serve?
We are located in Southfield, Michigan, but we don´t have any geographic requirements for eligibility. We serve people anywhere in the United States.
What is the difference between two-track and four-track cassette recordings?
Two-track is the standard format for cassette tapes, and therefore can be played on any player you may have at home, or would purchase at a store. Four-track is a specialized format for the blind, and requires a special tape player. Most ordinary cassettes play for sixty to ninety minutes. Using the special four-track, half-speed format, a tape that would normally play only ninety minutes can play for six hours. We can record using two-track or four-track, depending on the preference of the requester.
How long will it take you to record my book?
This is a difficult question to answer, since so many variables affect how long it will take. We make every attempt to record your book promptly, but please be aware that it is a lengthy process. Textbooks are given priority. Other variables include: volunteer availability, number of pages, print size, number of pictures or diagrams, difficulty of subject matter, etc. Most books take several months to record. If you need the book within a certain timeframe, please get it to us far in advance so we have enough time to record it.
How many tapes or CD's will it take to record my book?
It´s very difficult to predict how many tapes or CD's will be needed. Variables include number of pages, print size, number of pictures or diagrams, speed of the reader, two-track or four-track, and difficulty of subject matter.
Do you record on CDs?
Yes, we have begun offering CD's. Our CD's can be played in any standard CD player. You do not need to purchase a specialized CD player.
How many volunteer readers do you have?
Currently we have about 30 volunteers who read in their own homes, using equipment we loan to them. Volunteers are required to read about 4 hours a week. Due to the time involved in training volunteers, we ask for at least a one-year commitment. Many of our volunteers have been reading for us for 15 years or more!
Do you need more volunteers?
Yes! We welcome volunteers to work as readers in their own homes, or office workers to help us process recordings in our Southfield office. Readers are required to read about 4 hours a week. Due to the time involved in training volunteers, we ask for at least a one-year commitment. Office workers usually volunteer once a week during office hours. Duties include making labels on the computer for recordings, duplicating recordings, processing requests, and monitoring for quality. Please call our office to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
My teenager is a great reader. Do you accept children or teenagers as volunteer readers?
No. All volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. There are several reasons for this, including the mature content of books we record (i.e. college level textbooks), and the time commitment involved. If you live in the Metro Detroit area, you can find a great volunteer opportunity for your child by contacting United Way at (313) 226-9422. They will help you find a match based on your child's interests, skills and time availability.
Are you affiliated with Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic?
No. While our missions are similar, we are two different agencies. Readings for the Blind is a private, non-profit agency with only one office, located in Southfield, Michigan. We frequently refer people to other agencies such as Recordings for Blind and Dyslexic if they have a recording that we don´t have.
Do you print a catalog of your recordings?
No. Since we are constantly adding to our library, such a catalog would be quickly out of date. However, all our titles are listed in a national database called Louis, administered the American Printing House for the Blind. This database lists over 152,000 books offered by more than 200 agencies nationwide. You can access the database by logging on to www.aph.org or you can call 800-223-1839. You can search the database by title, author, keyword, subject or ISBN. Searching the Louis database gives you the advantage of knowing what agency has the taped book you are looking for. No more calling around from place to place only to be told it´s not available. Using the Louis database can save you time and aggravation.